What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-Time Research Assistant position at American University?
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Department:
Time Type:
Part timeFLSA Status:
Non-ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Research Assistant will work with a team of students, professors, and national parks (NPS) staff to compile data on the distribution of aquatic arthropods in national parklands. The RA will perform tasks such as identifying seeps within NPS border, record coordinates with handheld GPS or Field Maps (ESRI); log water chemistry measurements with YSI meter; and collecting and identifying aquatic amphipods and isopods to genus level using microscopes.
Essential Functions:
1.) NPS Research Methods
The research assistant will perform research using NSP research methods, including recording coordinates with handheld GPS and ESRI, logging water chemistry measurements with YSI tools, qualitative and quantitative analysis of data samples, and physical collection of samples within NPS borders, and all other applicable research methods.
2.) Identifying Aquatic Arthropods and Seepages
The research assistant will identify appropriate aquatic arthropods and seepages and categorize them by their genus level using microscopy tools.
They will then log their findings within Excel and/or other data logging software and analyze their findings.
3. Administrating and Delegating Tasks
The research assistant will help to lead student research out in the field, and coordinate any findings between their groups, the professor, and any NPS staff.
In addition, on field work days, the RA will lead student workers as necessary to walk 1-3 miles through national parklands, clear paths as needed using hand tools, and identify and navigate field sites.
4.) Lab and field tools such as ESRI
The research assistant will be proficient in and use physical data collection tool (such as shovels, YSI tools, Microscopes, etc.), geographic tools (such as GPS and ESRI) and data collection and visualization software (such as Excel).
Supervisory Responsibility:
Oversee a team of 2-5 students.
Competencies:
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Leading and Inspiring People.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Supporting Coworkers.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Part-Time.
Temporary.
10 hours per week.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
Expected hire to be March, 2025 – March, 2026.
Salary Range:
$20 per hour.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Less than 1 year of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
NPS research methods.
Identifying aquatic arthropods and seepages.
Administrating and delegating tasks.
Lab and field tools such as ESRI.
Travel Required:
Yes.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
Salary : $20
